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Jaina Conmunity – A Social Survey
of his maximum belongings, and should, in no case, exceed it. If he ever happens to earn more than that, he must spend it away in charities, the best and recognised forms of which are distribution of medicines, spread of knowledge, 'provision for saving the lives of people in danger, and feeding the hungry and the poor. Obviously, these vows are of a great social value as they accord a religious sanction to some of the most important public and private interests and rights which are, in modern times, safeguarded by the laws of the state.65 A due observance of them, for example, would save a man from application to him of almost any of the Sections of the Indian Penal Code.66 This is borne out by the fact that the proportion of jail-going ( for non-political reasons ) population in the Jaina community was definitely less than that of any other community in the former Bombay Presidency. 67
A charge is generally laid against the system of Jaina ethics to the effect that it fosters the self-centred attitude, and does not take care of the society and therefore social element in Jaina ethics is not strong. 68 It is true that the main aim of Jainism is to attain freedom from the transmigration of soul and the whole Jaina ethics has been based on this foundation. All rules of conduct are so designed as to secure the aim as early as possible. As there is no outside agency to help the individual in his efforts to secure salvation, it is natural that more importance was given to the individual. But this does not mean that ethics was confined individuals alone. On the contrary, the ethical code was evolved for the whole society.69 Jaina ethics took pains to provide for the welfare of both the society and the individual. It recognised the need for taking care of the society, and also aspired to bring the highest conceivable form of good within the individual's reach.70 The social aspect of individual's life was never ignored. An individual was never conceived as separated from the society and Social life.71 He was enjoined to achieve his goal while leading the worldly life which necessarily involves relations with other members of the society. All the Tirthařkaras, whom the Jainas Worship, did lead a social life and did attain salvation at the end. It is clear that social life was never considered as an impediment
e's spiritual progress if necessary precautions are taken. These precautions are included in the twelve Vows of a layman. These vows play a good part in the life of a single Jaina as well
